Westmoreland Airpark Phase II Expansion – Unity Township

It’s a Hot-Spot for business!

Unity Township, Pa, April 25, 2013 – The Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation’s (WCIDC) Board of Directors – Charles W. Anderson, R. Tyler Courtney, and Ted Kopas announce today the approval of a contract with Macson Corporation for infrastructure, construction and other related costs for the development of Phase II at the Westmoreland Airpark located in Unity Township, Westmoreland County.

The contract, in the amount?of $1,649,476, will include roadway construction, storm?drainage, sanitary sewers, water lines, erosion control and other utility installations to open up an additional 52?acres of developed property at the park. “We are extremely excited to be moving forward with the Phase II expansion,” said Commissioner Chuck Anderson, who also serves as chairman of the county Industrial Development Corporation. “With local business expansions and the influx of people from the region taking advantage of the adjoining airport’s new booming passenger service provided by Spirit Airlines, this site location has become a crucial hub in Westmoreland County and a hot- spot for new business.”

Slated for construction to begin on May 1st, the expansive 210-acre industrial park was acquired by the WCIDC in 1999 and was identified as a prime location for development because of its adjacency to the county’s Arnold Palmer Regional Airport and strong manufacturing base in eastern Westmoreland. At that time, the Airpark development was separated into two phases. The first phase, which includes 105-acres of sellable property and 18 subdivided lots, is now at a 72% occupancy rate comprised of 11 companies. “Marketing efforts have indicated that this region of the county is lacking available sites that can accommodate buildings from 30,000-square feet in size and up with expansion capabilities,” said Jason Rigone, Executive Director of the WCIDC. “With only 5 lots remaining in Phase I and the progressive effects of the Marcellus shale industry to the region, the park’s expansion is imperative at this time,” adds Rigone. The 52-acres will provide 12 new parcels including an additional entrance onto Route 981 that will facilitate smooth ingress and egress for Airpark tenants. Completion of the project is anticipated to be spring 2014.

The expansion of the Airpark is being funded partially by a $1million grant from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and a low interest?loan from the Pennsylvania?Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) provided in partnership through the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland (EGCW). These funding sources will then be combined with a match of local funds from the WCIDC. “We are extremely grateful to the EGCW for their assistance with PIDA and, in particular, for the support of Senator Kim Ward and Representative Mike Reese for their help in securing the RACP grant,” said Rigone. “Their involvement and leadership on projects like this not only has an immediate impact on this region, but will continue to reinforce the major manufacturing base already established in this community.”